Finance Assistant

This role works with Thorngate Churcher Trust’s senior management team and is accountable to the Director of Finance. The post supports the effective management of the Trust.

Key Responsibilities

Purchase Ledger

• Process supplier invoices accurately and promptly.
• Match invoices to purchase orders, or supporting information where applicable.
• Code invoices to the correct nominal ledger and cost centre.
• Liaise with managers regarding invoice approval and invoice queries.
• Maintain accurate supplier records.
• Assist with preparation of supplier payment runs for review and approval.
• Reconcile supplier statements and follow up discrepancies.
• Respond to supplier queries in a professional and timely manner.

Sales Ledger and Resident / Customer Accounts

• Raise housing charge invoices, fee invoices and recharge invoices as required.
• Post receipts accurately and allocate income to the correct accounts.
• Maintain accurate debtor, resident and customer records.
• Assist with resident, family, local authority and customer account queries.
• Support regular review of outstanding balances.
• Maintain clear records of account correspondence and actions taken.

Resident Personal Accounts and Expenses

• Work alongside the care home reception team to maintain accurate records of resident personal accounts held by the Trust, including pocket money and personal expense balances.
• Record, track and reconcile resident personal expenditure, including items such as newspapers, hairdressing, taxis and other agreed personal purchases.
• Investigate and resolve routine discrepancies, escalating any concerns to the Director of Finance.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard residents’ financial information at all times.

Credit Control

• Monitor aged debtors in line with agreed procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of credit control activity.
• Escalate overdue or sensitive debts to the Director of Finance, and where relevant, the Housing and Support Manager
• Support timely collection of income while maintaining a professional and respectful approach to residents, families and external partners.

Banking and Reconciliations

• Post bank transactions accurately.
• Assist with bank reconciliations as required.
• Assist with basic control account reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve routine posting discrepancies.
• Support the accurate recording of petty cash, resident money or other cash-related items.

Finance Administration and Development Support

• Support with routine finance administration and day-to-day finance processes.
• Assist with basic month-end tasks, reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Support year-end and audit preparation by collating documentation and responding to routine queries.
• Assist with improvements to finance processes, templates and records where appropriate.
• Develop knowledge of the Trust’s finance systems, processes and controls.
• Undertake relevant training and development appropriate to the role, which may include AAT study where agreed.
• Relevant development, such as AAT or similar finance administration qualifications, may be supported where this is agreed as appropriate for both the individual and the organisation.
• Provide flexible support to the finance function within the scope of the role.

Systems and Data

• Use finance and related systems accurately and consistently.
• Maintain supplier, customer, resident and transaction records.
• Identify data errors and raise them promptly.
• Support improvements to finance processes where appropriate.
• Follow Trust policies in relation to data protection, confidentiality and information security.

Working Relationships

• Work closely with the Director of Finance.
• Liaise professionally with colleagues across care, housing, property and head office functions.
• Respond appropriately to suppliers, residents, families, local authorities, other external contacts including telephone calls and walk-ins to the office.
• Work alongside the care home reception team in relation to resident personal accounts and expense records.
• Support positive working relationships across the Trust.

General Responsibilities

• Work in accordance with Thorngate Churcher Trust policies and procedures.
• Promote the Trust’s values and commitment to high standards of service.
• Maintain confidentiality and act with integrity at all times.
• Attend training relevant to the role.
• Carry out other reasonable finance administration duties as required by the Director of Finance.

The perfect candidates will have the following skills, qualities and experience

• An excellent team player
• Excellent attention to detail
• A superb work ethic
• Great interpersonal skills
• MS Office Skills, particularly excel
• The ability to work effectively in a team or on your own initiative

Salary & Benefits

• £27,000 – £30,000 FTE
• 20 days plus statutory bank holidays rising by one day per annum per year completed up to a maximum of 25 days (pro rata)
• Pension Scheme
• Free onsite parking

Working Hours

22.5 – 30 hours per week. The final working pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate, subject to operational requirements. Possible options include:

• 3 days of 7.5 hours;
• 4 days of approximately 6 to 7.5 hours;
• 5 days of approximately 6 hours.